Someplace North, Someplace Wild: A clean contemporary Western romantic suspense

by Gary Brumbelow

Framed for Murder. Deported from Paradise. His Only Faith, Courage, and the Woman Waiting in the Wilderness.

Cody Brandon's dream seemed within reach. After years of planning and hard work at Texas A&M, the young cowboy finally landed a ranch manager position in British Columbia's mountain wilderness—the first step toward owning his own spread in the rugged Canadian north. But when his truck breaks down in the Idaho backcountry and he stops to help a stranded driver beside Bishop Lake, his carefully laid plans begin to unravel. Within hours, he's the prime suspect in a murder he didn't commit.
Arrested by the RCMP for immigration violations and deported from Canada, Cody watches his future crumble. His dream job at Grand Valley Ranch is gone. His quarter-million-dollar inheritance—dependent on maintaining steady employment—hangs by a thread. And Julie Stewart, the beautiful schoolteacher who captured his heart in the remote village of Wolf Creek, seems further away than ever. When Cody discovers he's been framed by a cunning killer and betrayed by a corrupt county attorney, he faces an impossible trust a justice system that's already failed him, or take matters into his own hands.
With only his faith in God's providence to guide him and time running out, Cody must navigate grizzly country, expose a murderer, and outwit the law—all while fighting his way back to the woman and the wilderness he can't forget. From the high plains of Texas to the mountains of British Columbia, through near-death encounters with wildlife and corrupt officials alike, Cody discovers that when everything is stripped away, God's faithfulness remains. A gripping tale of courage, romance, and redemption for fans of Louis L'Amour and Francine Rivers.

Here are some sample questions from the include discussion guide for individuals or
How does the opening scene illustrate the danger of unchecked resentment? Compare Genesis 4:3-10.
Few marriages end in violence, but all couples struggle at some level. Why do you think marriage is such a challenge? How do growing couples help their marriage thrive? What does Ephesians 4:31-32 say to us as spouses?
Cody’s determination to operate in the mountains of BC reflects something we read in Genesis 1:26,28. What word in those verses captures Cody’s dream? How might this apply to you?
Both Cody and Julie express a sense of calling to a particular life or career. What is it for Cody? For Julie? How would you describe God’s calling on your life?

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 18, 2025

About the author

After serving as a missionary and then a local-church pastor, Gary Brumbelow is adding a third career as a writer. His first novel, published by Elk Lake, is set to release August 1.

Someplace North, Someplace Wild is the story of a young cowboy seeking his fortune in the mountain meadow country of British Columbia, Canada. When he's framed for murder he has two weeks to find the killer or lose his wilderness ranch dream forever.

Gary's readers embrace traditional values like the fear of God, the image of God in man, the inestimable value of a single human life, the power of marriage, the value of family, the role of the church, the blessing of public and private virtue, personal responsibility, a strong work ethic, freedom, the rule of law, the rights enshrined in our constitution, the knowledge of God, reverence for the Bible, and the confession of Christ in the public square.

Reviews

[J.E. Grace]

Someplace North, Someplace Wild has vivid descriptions that transport you to the world of ranching in a raw and wild country. Fresh out of college with a degree and determined to live his dream, Cody gets a work permit to British Columbia and leaves his Texas home, but things don't go as planned. A good deed turns into a nightmare.

The characters of Cody and Julie held my attention from the beginning and soon revealed their many layers. The impending suspense gripped my heart and had me turning the pages as I wondered what would come next.

An easy-to-read story filled with Biblical values found me rooting for Cody. The budding romance between Cody and Julie was sweet and inspirational. I loved the story and look forward to reading book 2.

I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

[Ryan P Hoffman]

Someplace North, Someplace Wild by Gary Brumbelow
Gary Brumbelow's novel, Someplace North, Someplace Wild, is a compelling blend of wilderness adventure, gripping suspense, and a heartfelt Christian romance. It introduces readers to Cody Brandon, a young Texan rancher who travels to the rugged British Columbia wilderness to pursue his dream of owning his own ranch, a goal tied to a significant family inheritance.
The story quickly plunges Cody into a high-stakes scenario. An act of kindness during his journey north leaves his fingerprints at what becomes a murder scene in Idaho. Just as he successfully snags a job on a mountain ranch and begins to fall for Julie Stewart, the local schoolteacher, the bad news arrives: he's the prime suspect and the federal authorities are closing in.
Someplace North, Someplace Wild is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy Western or wilderness-based thrillers with a strong element of suspense and a faith-based message. It's the first in the "Mountain Ranch Adventures" series, promising more excitement from Cody's life in the wilderness. If you like a story that will keep you guessing while rooting for an innocent man in an unforgiving landscape, this book is highly recommended.

[RANI VALE]

I went into Someplace North, Someplace Wild expecting a simple adventure story, and ended up completely pulled into Cody Brandon’s world.
Gary Brumbelow does such a great job making everything feel real: from Cody’s hopeful journey out of Texas to the raw, breathtaking wilderness of British Columbia. I felt every high, landing the ranch job, falling for Julie, standing his ground against a grizzly, and every crushing low when his life suddenly spirals into accusation and fear.
What really got me was the emotional heart of the story. Cody and Julie’s connection feels genuine, built on shared faith, adventure, and quiet moments that made me root hard for them. The suspense kept me turning pages, but it was the hope threaded through the danger that stayed with me.
This book blends wilderness adventure, romance, and a fast, moving mystery in a way that feels grounded and heartfelt. I finished it feeling like I’d taken the journey myself, and honestly wished it hadn’t ended. Highly recommended for anyone who loves rugged settings, strong characters, and a story with soul.

[Katherine Harrison]

This story pulls you in from the first page. Cody’s journey from adventure to life-altering danger is filled with tension, mystery, and unexpected twists. The high-country setting is vivid, the stakes are real, and the growing connection between Cody and Julie adds warmth and hope to the suspense.

A compelling blend of wilderness danger, romance, and faith that keeps you turning the pages.

[Shari L. Klasna]

Beautiful and descriptive language

Very real people. Captivating descriptions of surroundings. Believable characters and the
emotions of day to day living. In depth language evoked similar emotions in myself...some painful. Ready for more like this.

[Elizabeth]

a Wild West suspense romance

I didn’t want to put this down. The fast moving story line, the change from suspense to romance, from wild wilderness scenes with fierce animal tales and a growing faith in God makes for a compelling read. Enjoy it!